Peggy Dymond Leavey

Set during the Great depression in 1931 Ontario, this is the story of Ivy, a twelve year old girl. Ivy had grown up in Toronto with her single mother, moving frequently. Frannie, Ivy's mother has dreams of becoming an actress in New York city and leaves Ivy with her paternal grandmother, who does not know she is coming. This story follows Ivy's life during that summer, filled with life as it was during that time period.
The author's story is based on letters from a lady who lived a life similar to this during the Great depression.
I enjoyed the book as well as learning about life during that time period in Canadian history.… (more)

Full review:

http://readingthroughlife.ca/the-deep-end-gang-review/

Short excerpt:

Because of this, I don’t think I would recommend this book to most students. It might be good for students who have trouble predicting what will happen and so need some support in that area, but otherwise … not so much. The story is predictable, the characters are all very stereotypical (including the overly-bossy representation of Holly), and the setting of well-off white suburbia just isn’t relevant to most students where I teach.… (more)

I purchased the book at the OLA conference after hearing the author read a passage from her book. I think she's Canadian. When 12 year old Joel gets caught shoplifting, he leaves home to live with his dad in Turtle Narrows rather than stay in Toronto and face Mr. Wong, the convenience store owner. Joel becomes involved in solving a mystery involving a map, and stolen jewels. Paige, a seventh grade classmate, ends up being his helper as they match wits against the mysterious man Joel met on the bus. The book is suitable for grades 5-7. It is a nice, fast read.… (more)